Kasaundra Winters

      Mornings. I fucking hated them, you gotta wake up, take a shower, brush your teeth, wash your face, remember to eat breakfast, and the worst of all be on time to a job. That didn't appreciate you, even if you were the toilet paper they wiped their asses with.

     Sitting on my couch watching the news, I angrily bit my lip. Will they just cut this shit out? Nobody cares about the Kardashians. Okay maybe I'm in love with Kim and Kendall, but it'd be nice to actually not boast their egos above the heaven sent level that it's already at sometimes.

       "Why won't they put the real stuff on, and not about these celebrities?"

      "Hum, because Kassaundra you're watching E! News. Not the 'real' news you idiot, give me that." Snatching the remote out of my hand, Mason turned the tv off. Swatting away at him like he were a nuisance, he stood already in his suit and tie ready to tackle on this already annoying day. "You need to get ready for work Lawyer K."

    "More like lawyer nay, I'm never getting a decent case, I'm just stuck with the stupid, 'He scratched my car I'm going to sue him' cases. They all think of me as a joke." Sighing, I pulled my hair out of its messy wet bun. Dragging myself off of my comfy couch, I trotted into my bedroom, stripping down and throwing on the outfit I picked out the night before. Mason laughed at my grouchiness, loud and life filled.

   "Wouldn't hurt to plant a smile on that face of yours Kassie."

    "Ha, if only you knew. If only you knew."

   Despite my unhappiness right now, he made me smile. Like he always did.

     The typical older brother best friend, and little sister relationship. Only my brother is dead, and his wife is dead. Buddy buddy, best friends for life. Not exactly. We just emotionally have been relying on each other, and though he keeps most of his personal life to himself, I know Mason well enough to know when he's hiding something.

     Refusing to make it obvious that I know I just played along, the only reason why I couldn't get to the real news channels was because he blocked them after two days he got discharged from the hospital. Due to the fact that he was shot, kidnapped, beat up. And just absolutely awful.

      "Then why don't you go somewhere where you'll be appreciated, there's no reason why you still work for a place that never sees how hard you work. Maybe you should quit your day job and work at a strip club. Make more cash that way."

      Taking a sip from his coffee mug like he didn't say anything of any offense, Mason glared anxiously as I walked out of my room fully dressed to kill.

        "Hot damn look at you, I'm
Sure you'll earn that promotion looking like that!"

      Grabbing a pair of gold trimmed shades to compliment the black dress I was wearing, and ruby red heels I looped my car keys on my finger. Clicking my teeth with my tongue, I shoved past my friend.

              Hard. "Rough around the edges but oh so gooey in the middle you little fire cracker."

       "Dammit Mason do you ever just shut up?" I asked while continuing into the kitchen. I froze, ceasing the annoying clapping of my heels against the white tile floor. "Mom?" I quietly spoke, her hand gripped tightly on a wad of tear stained tissues. Heavily sniffling she remained silent and facing with her narrow back towards me. My mother stood in front of the fridge deadly staring at a picture. Of my brother and his family, two teenaged girls and a wife.

      I slumped my body down in sorrow, walking slowly to her. I towered her short figure, pulling her close into my arms she instantly returned the embrace. "I miss him too mommy, I miss him too." Now fully crying she shook into my grasp, I held her tighter. "Mom we've been through this, and we can conquer this pain okay? Khai is okay now, he's looking down sending his love to us everyday. Just take a deep breath and eat a muffin. I made them last night, I thought they were popping, haha literally. You get it ma?"

   Laughing I pulled her away, kneeling a bit lower to meet her eye contact she smiled, tired, beat down, aching, and hurt. But it was a smile, and I couldn't complain it was better to see her smile than cry. Fixing my messy hair, she straightened my crooked necklace. "Okay baby, I'll try your 'poppin' muffins. But they better not be nasty, or I'll send them to your job make those little bastards eat their insides. Which are disgusting."

     "Mom." I muttered, staring sternly.

           Her face now shadier than ever she swirled around, and splashed some water on her face. "What Kassaundra, is it not true?" Her beautiful laugh was too inviting not to join, looking refreshed she grabbed a muffin, and danced into the living room.

   Shaking my head,  I grabbed my boring stainless steel coffee cup, and followed behind her.

      Mason was dancing right along with my mother. Hands entangled while swaying their hips, Mason did a number around her as she did the same. "Uh-oh go on ahead with ya bad selves." I encouraged through a smile.

      "Oh no grandma please stop dancing, you're making uncle Mason look bad." A sarcastic voice called out from the background, causing a loud rupture of amused laughter throughout the house. Strutting her stuff into the center of the room Tailer slid on her sneakers, and pulled over her jacket.

      "Yeah grams he's too old, can't catch up either. Be careful uncle you might hurt yourself." Rylainah, teased happily, biting into an apple giving me a hug.

       Now waltzing over towards me and my nieces, Mason attempted to  impersonate Michael Jackson, swirling around and grabbing his crotch with an ear wrenching sound to match, I cringed. "Oh no, girls let's go, Mason is just gona have to walk to work." Shooing them out of the door, a strong hand wrapped around my waist. My stomach began to become sore as my laugh punctured my core with its strength.

     "See you were going to go to work mad at the world, without that beautiful smile of yours to brighten someone else's day." Leaning closer Mason planted a kiss on my forehead, "Did that hurt?"

        Chaining our eye contact, Mason's arm was still holding me strongly, my mother packing the kids in the car, I heard their voices and the door shut. "Did what hurt?" I questioned, breaking our eye connection, I looked his features over, staring hard at his perfect lips so few inches apart from mine, I took a deep breath, my heart fluttered inside of my chest, as I watched him speak.

      "When you smiled. That big one, right there-," His thumb pressed against my cheek affectionately. "I think you should wear it more often since it suits you, and that fashionable style of yours Kass."

       "We should um... We should get going. Work, we have work." I stubbornly interrupted, fighting the urge to just stay locked in his grasp. I pulled away.

               "Yes we uh, we do have work don't we?" Smiling, his head tilted towards the floor, his hand grazing over his attractive 5 o'clock shadow, and his other dug deep into his pocket.

      The quiet came back on its prowl hunting the very room we stood in. Nervously closing my eyes, they quickly opened with Mason's voice. "Ladies first." Removing his hand from his face he motioned to the door. And I hurried along outside. The Miami Heat just burning me up, I wanted to just curl up in my bed with the a/c and the fan blowing me to ice sickles.

    But of course not without some Netflix, and some good ass ice cream.

      Gosh I couldn't wait to be back home already.

     Opening the car door on the drivers side I hopped in. Mason not even two seconds after joined me. "You ladies ready for a good day?" He inquired, turning his body fully in the direction of Tailer and Rylainah.

          "Only if aunt Kassie lets us go to see Dayton Lang at his interview today."

        Giving my nieces an angry look through the rear view mirror, Rylainah continued. "Cmon! It's at the mall, at 1:30 we get out of school at 1:50. We won't be missing much in 6th period but Ms. Matthews nag about nonsense. Uncle Mason please talk to her. Everyone is going."

       Now buckling up his seatbelt his eyes bulged of cluelessness, as he looked at me. "She says no, she says no. And with everything going on right about now with all of these criminals on the streets and me and the whole damn United States trying to catch them. I don't think it's such a great idea. You'll catch it on tv won't ya?"

   Groaning and slapping their hands on their thighs, they glared angrily out of the window. "Well that does it." I muttered dismissively, as I drove out of the driveway, I called out of the rolled down window before taking off, "Bye mommy I love you, see you when I get home!"

      Waving a low hand she smiled. Flying down the road, I turned up the volume on my radio. Traffic wasn't too bad, so I got to the girls school in less than 10.  Pulling into the car circle, I leaned back, and waited for the cars to leave out." Your school is literally a 20 minute walk. Is there a reason why you two drama queens need to be driven here every day?"

     "Because you gave us the opportunity to not have to walk, and we gladly took it. You always told us how good it is to be open minded, to give things a chance, and I think Tailer agrees this is much easier, more convenient for our nice appearances."

     "Walking is an exercise, could help you lose that little pooch that's been growing for months. Whatcha hiding in there? A rabbit, and three mice?" I didn't even have to turn around to see Rylainahs face, I already knew her mouth was open, and her pampered brows were furrowed. I could hear Tailer laugh at her sister, and Mason do the same.

   "Hey you were asking for it."  I pushed on, collaborating with the joint laughter. Seeing it as alright to go forward I did, "Alright I love you guys, have a good day at school, I'll be here to pick you up at two, but if not grams will. Okay?" Finally unlocking the doors, Tailer climbed out, angrily pushing open the door I put out a hand to Ryli. Coughing a snooty scoff, she rolled her brown eyes, with a powerful attitude, slumping my shoulders I stared at her. "Look I know you and Tailer hate me for this, but there are going to be more events. Dayton Lang, lived in Miami, he always visits here and always has cool things going on. I promise we will go next time when you two don't have school. Today is grams birthday, she thinks we forgot, and I wanted to do something special. So I'm gona need you to lose that ugly attitude of yours, put a smile on your face, and have a good day for me. Got that?"

       I pleaded helplessly, softening her glare she rolled her eyes again in agreement. "Okay, can I go to school now?"

     "For once Kassundra, Ryli is excited to go to school, I think you're doing your job right." Letting out heavy breaths Rylainah and I stared Mason down, with mean eyes. "Okay never mind then." His eyes filled with pure rejection, as he tossed a sloppy hand our way. "Have a good day Ryli, we love you."

    "I love you guys too." Sourly admitting she jumped out, and caught up with her sister giving me and Mason a quick wave before heading inside Rylainah, and Tailer grouped up with their friends. Watching her closely I smiled. Taking a longer glimpse of my old high school before ultimately driving off. I shook my head from the incoming memories of old boyfriends, best friends, good days, and all of the bad ones. Recognizing how much I've changed for the better, and how damn old I've gotten. 26 to be exact I'm almost 30, and I have yet to be in an actual committed relationship, or have sex.

  It's always been a heated topic with my close friends. But the truth is, I'm just not as into sex like everyone else I seem to constantly be surrounded with. My relationships never seem to quite last because my consistent refusal of sex.

     They tended to end up with me being called multiple names, dramatic exits, and well almost being killed. Mason stepped in on that one, why are people so crazy... Sex crazy? Ignoring the stupid memories, I drove off into morning traffic. A loud alarm started going off, searching around me but also trying to multitask on the road I side eyed him. Fumbling for his phone, Mason answered it, rushingly.

     "Abe what's the deal?" Worried, he rubbed at his head. Listening to the voice on the other side carefully, he punched my dashboard. "I told the son of the bitch to wait dammit! He's going to fu-," It was something Abriel had said to calm him, or at least shut him up for the moment. His face twitched and he exhaled loudly. Staring at him oddly through the cracks of my eyes, I continued to drive to the precinct.

    "I'll be there in 5. If this gotdamn traffic will clear. But if not, just wait it out I'm going to get there. Had to catch a ride with Kass." Suddenly laughing, he muttered a "Shut up. Abriel." Into the phone, while nonchalantly looking me over. Keeping my eyes glued to the road I ignored it. "Alright by ya douche bag."

      "Well damn we got here sooner than I thought. I knew you and those old lady gas pedals could do some damage on the road."  My lips and cheeks raised to an awkward smile, while my tired eyes locked onto the large, stoned, grey building. It wasn't the confinement that made the place look so intimidating, but the hundreds of police officers, police cars, and criminals being brought up to the threshold. This big eerie feeling of wrong doing seeping out of every crack, through every door, and window in the damn place.

Shaking the bad juju feeling I was getting I parked the car.

          "Thanks for the lift. And letting me stay with you guys last night." I rolled my eyes. "Hey!" Fixating his full attention towards me, I finally gave him acknowledgement.

    "You're thanking me like this is the first time a situation like this has occurred. We're not strangers Mason, stop acting as if we are." I spoke with disgust of his statement. Sighing he looked out of the window and then back to me.

"I was...you know what? Forget it. Once again I appreciate all that you guys have done for me." Climbing out of my Chrysler, Mason adjusted his tie, and stood tall. Starting to leave, he didn't, instead he leaned back down into the coupe to give the last word. "It's called admired gratitude. My display of that, was a simple thank you. A plain you're welcome would've been absolutely fine, but since you're a complicated little butterfly you proceeded to argue. I hope you have a good day, please be safe Kassundra."

     Shutting the door before I could say anything, I winded down the windows and called out to him. "I should be worried about you Mason! Your job seems to be the one kicking your ass more than mine is. I mean literally. Love you, and don't get shot you idiot." Throwing up a dismissive hand, his beautiful smile was shining brighter than the sun, pulling down my sunglasses I watched him meet up with Abriel, getting one last glance of me before he walked inside.

     We just stared, his smile vacated his untainted perfected attractiveness. And in replace of it, the new tenant was a face of worry, the same of which mirrored mine exactly. Looking down, he looked back up, and quickly went inside. Lingering about, I finally hit reverse, and headed to work.

       Gladly, my job is less than two minutes from Mason's, I parked into the parking lot and sat there. A bad vibe was running through me like a kitana blade. Puncturing my skin, and slicing my insides, it made me want to vomit, but I also wanted to run and hide. Because I was afraid, this vibe always decides to come around when things are good, when life is treating me well.

     It came when my father abandoned us, when my grandfather passed, when my brother was killed. It seems to follow me everywhere lately since the past few weeks. As soon as Mason started to act funny.

  He's been himself, just not completely.

         He's been a little antsy, irritated, and easily angered. Whatever case he's been working on for the past few years, is getting closer to its close. And everyday, every minute Mason is out there my heart scatters with abnormal beats.

            Losing him would set this crumbling world of mine in flames. Drown me in my near escape of tragedy, heartache, and misery.

      Pulling out my cell phone I called Mason. Took a few rings but he picked up. "What's up? You okay? You get to work safely? Don't tell me you got kidnapped."

         Smiling a soft smile, I unbuckled my seat belt, and leaned completely back into the chair. "I'm fine. I was just calling to make sure you're going to be safe today."

       I could almost see him, parting ways from his crew, and walking into his office, and sitting on his desk, with a file in his calloused hands. "Kassundra is there something you want to tell me?"

          "N-no." I stuttered, focusing on straightening out my worried voice I cleared my throat, and continued." I'm about to head into work, and wanted to let you know how much I love you, and how I want you to not get killed today. I know you don't like to discuss these kinds of cases but you know it could help if you told me more about them that way I know what to look out for."

       "All you need to know is that no matter what, you, mom, Tailer, and Rylainah, are safe. That is all I want you to know, whatever it is I can handle it, and if it means I lose my life doing so. Know...that I did it for you guys, that the last breath I may take you're always going to be the last thought I think. Okay?"

           "Why are you saying that!?" I jumped forward angry, my face twisting in fury, as I awaited for his voice to calm me down again.

"Kassundra because you need to know. Everything is fine, nothing is going on. I got it under control, just don't overthink this."

           "Much easier said than done when you're talking to me like Jesus talked to his disciples at the last supper."

                 "You know damn well I'm not good at these kind of talks." Laughing a little, he probably let his head down shaking it at my stupidity.

"Yeah I know. You're like a gay man trying to explain what sex feels like with a girl. Awkward, and terrible Mason. You have now made me 100% more worried."

         Sighing into the phone, he let his head down. "Just believe me for once woman. You and I both know that we can't predict or see into the future. Some things we can't change, can't prevent. We just have to let them occur in their natural order, and whether we like it or not Kass, we're going to just have to learn to accept it as is."

         A knock on his door, and a tap on my window, drew our attention like a needle draining warm blood. 

        I swallowed a golf ball sized lump down my throat, and fixed my hair.

   My assistant Janella, stood outside my vehicle, Starbucks, my drug, was laced between hands, and her violet blue hair, bounced in beach waves, designer cat eye glasses, she smiled with those perfect teeth of hers.

       "Kassuandra." Mason mumbled into the phone, his voice deeply overflown with uncertainty.

        "Yeah I'm here."

"You're a good friend to me. And I appreciate your concern, but I cannot guarantee my safety, but I can of yours. Do you understand?"

          Hesitating, I breathed. " I understand."

       "Good, I gotta go. Have a good day okay?" Rushed he said his goodbye, and I felt the feeling of a dark void fill within me.

              "By-," The dial tone interrupting I finished,"e...yeah bye to you too Mason."

              Flinging the door open, I jumped out, adjusting the crawling dress. "Well good morning Ms. Winters  has summer come a little early? Cause you're burning me up with all of that heat coming from those fiery curves!" Janella gladly exclaimed.

     Looking down at the plain dress, and then back up to Janella, I shook my head and grabbed my Starbucks. "You tried, and I mean really, but we both know I'm as cut out as a card board box. The only curve I've got is the curve of this elbow and my bony knees. Running up the few steps before entering hell I took a deep breath. "Your 8:30 for today canceled said something about his dog had its puppies while he was walking out of the door so he decided to stay and take care of them, and you have a meeting with Schworskey at 10:00 sharp. Carl Vs. Jepson, Lawyer for Jepson filed for subpoena early this morning...like less than 20 minutes ago. I have all of the files, the witnesses I'm still working on, and we have to be there by 7:00 AM tomorrow."

      Walking past desks, and expensive glass walls with the name "Davis & Schworskey, and they're logo, Together we fight, United we win." I rolled my eyes, as I scurried along to my office. Janella trailing behind, greeting our coworkers, and snagging muffins and cookies.

   Flirting with Jamison Schworseky, she flushed passed me,"Alright now, you know he's trouble. He's slept with nearly every assistant in this goddamn establishment. You're young Janella, and you're a bit nieve, watch yourself. Got that?" I warned as we entered my self decorated office, didn't have the view I had in mind when I first got it, but it comforted me. It was directly in front of the city precinct, from time to time I can see Mason and Abriel all suited up, to take on the real life villains no one really knows too much about.

              But he does. Shaking the thought of him out of my mind, I raised a hand, gesturing for Janella to have a seat. Doing so gladly she began to bargain with me on facts that have been proven completely true, and I mean cmon I'm a lawyer. A damn good one, I've won just about 95% of my cases the past few years since I've started at the firm.

            Of course they weren't the mainstream cases of murder and deceit, but they were good enough for me, despite me and my ego always wanting more fuel for the ever growing fire. "It's nothing Kassie, I just think he's an easy fuck, and besides he's cute. The sex is convenient, and that you should never let go to waste,-"

     Taking my hot mug, I placed it against my lips. It's hot steam burning the tip of my nose and rested on top of my upper lip. The sweet aroma comforting me, I took a slow sip. "You are the oddest person I know." Janella nagged, I rolled my eyes and grabbed the Starbucks cup, placing the straw between my lips and intaking all of its frappuccino goodness.

     "I'm odd because I have an addiction to coffee? Oh please 94% of earth's population are coffee addicts. What's odd is you, wanting to just sleep with my boss's son, because it is convenient for you."

         "Is Kassundra Winters slut shaming?" Rolling my eyes I smiled, walking over to my wide open door, I looped a hand over the handle.

       "Okay one, I didn't even call you a slut you delusional freak. Two, I'm not shaming you, I'm just outputting my unasked opinion about your intentions with a egotistical man, that would rather just fuck than actually use common sense. And you, reflect his personality, just in a female version. Now can we please find another topic to discuss?" Shutting the door, I returned to my desk, Janella already opening the blinds, and the sun came pouring in like a bright and beautiful tidal wave.

      "Alright let's get to work. Carl Vs. Jepson." Clapping my hands together, I took a seat behind my desk and began typing. Janella's voice waved throughout the room as I multitasked balancing my listening to her words, and my mind on my words.

        My eyes already about to shut me into oblivion I forced them open. It was only 8:21, 12 hours and counting. Sighing I put on my prescription glasses, I hated these damn things. Always giving me a nauseous headache, maintaining my focus, I continued writing away on my opening.

       A case about two gay men, fighting over custody of their award winning dog, they just so happened to name Brisket. You have got to be kidding me. Running a hand over my forehead I massaged it dumbly, passing by papers to gain more knowledge on the situation.

         My brother always asked me over and over, "Why did you ever become a lawyer Kassie, you hate your job. You're so good at so many different things and I feel as if you're wasting your talents. Your wisdom, your time, you can be investing in something with so much more worth. Gosh man you're a fucking idiot."

           And though that was 4 years ago, my response was always the same. "Because I'm growing to like it more! I went to college and I'm not going to waste all that money, mom always says if you're going to spend it, better put that shit to use." I was just a young dumb twit back then. And though he was right I always made up excuses, and a year went by, and some more, and all that led me up to here.

        Typing an opening statement for a client fighting his ex spouse for a dog. Gnawing on my glasses leg, I reread my work over and over. Completely consumed in constructing my words to sensible perfection, a light tap on my door sounded through my ears, but ignoring it, I continued to read aloud.

        "Uhm, Kassundra..."

       And that is why, I started, repeating the same words over and over until I had it fully typed. "Kassundra."

        Without looking up to the figure standing in my doorway I tapped away on my keyboard. "Uh yes? Can I help you?"

           "It's 10:20, shouldn't you be somewhere?" Leaning on the wooden structure Jamison clicked his expensive ball point pen. Eyeing me down graciously.

        "Oh shit!" Pushing back from against the desk, I stood quickly, putting on my glasses again, I grabbed my briefcase. Stumbling on my heels, my feet cursed me for putting them through such agony.  "Oh my god, oh my god, please tell your father I'm so sorry!"

       Jamison grabbed me by the shoulders, smirking intently, he reassured me through a positive strong voice. "My dad loves you, the worst he'd do is fire you. Not that you'll be missed anyway Kassaundra. " Balling a fist, I drove it straight into his lower stomach, and in a hurry stomped my way to Schworskey's office. "Love you too Kass!" Raising a thumbs up to me I smiled waving back like an eager idiot.

       Tripping I planted against the door, I could hear Jamison laughing in amused pain. Rolling my eyes, I fixed myself to look presentable, knocking I waited. The glass door finally opening up I forced a smile, "Have a seat Kassundra I'd like to speak with you."

   Fixing my lips to speak he stopped me from doing so,"Don't apologize for being late I've come to the realization Kassundra, shit just happens with you. And don't take that in a bad way, this meeting is a good thing, well I sure do hope you take it that way." Pulling out a chair for me to sit down, I did so nodding in gratification, and setting my briefcase on the long wooden table.

      Adjusting his tie Kamden Schworskey sat in front of me, green scorching eyes of dominance and confidence blazed through his irises. "I'm not sure if you heard lately in the news, but we are going to be receiving a hell of a lot of requests for our services. Jamison, Tuck, and Hilary I've already discussed this with. And I've decided to put you on those cases, coming up in the next few weeks I'm going to be handing your current cases over to Miles Bankly. You can keep your assistant but I'm going to be moving you to a more exclusive office one I think you'll like more. Your hard work shows for this firm, and I appreciate it, you always start from nothing before you can get to becoming something my father used to tell me, and I believe it is 100% true. Finish up with everything Kassaundra, and I'll take care of the rest. Is there anything you would like to add?"

    Smiling with a heavy longing, he stared at me, the little crinkle around his eyes exposing themselves.

        Licking my lips nervously I hurried myself to stand, but instead my knees collided with the table, "Fucking shit fuck ow! Dammit ow," And I plummeted back down into my chair. Holding my dear bony knee caps, watching them become more brown and circle form into a bruise.

     "Well it's good to see that you're just as excited about this promotion as I am, I will tell Jamison to get you some ice for you knees, feel better Kassundra we need you aboard and healthy."

   Opening the door with patience Schworskey, awaited my exit. Smiling uncomfortably I grabbed my things, and awkwardly hobbled out of his office. "Thank you sir."

     "No thank you Kassuandra." Smiling stupidly Schworskey looked me over, hidden intent feathered his green eyes.

     I hope he didn't just give me this promotion to make it easier for him to fuck me. Not that it would I'd turn him down just like everyone else, of course I'd probably get fired, but I'm not some sort of easy slut that'll take the bone that's thrown at her at some sexual price.

For an older man Kamden Schworseky wasn't bad looking, in fact he was fine as hell. Tall, more on the fitness side, nice style, and a gentleman with class. The best part is he's been single, ever since Jamison was born. The mother abandoned them after giving birth, leaving Schworskey, to raise his son alone. Sure everybody spreads the rumors about his here and there flings, but when I always walk pass his office the doors are always open, his blinds never shut.

    He was an open book. He was never the type to shy away from honesty, and never admired those who did. Whatever crossed his mind, he gladly shared his thoughts good or bad, hurtful, or inspirational. He has told me on more than one occasion, that he didn't like my shoes, my clothes, or the way I handled a case.

     I took offense sometimes, but once I got used to his blunt personality, it was amusing to me. I keep my distance from my bosses, because Mason and my brother didn't much like Harlod Davis and Kamden. Ever since a double homicide case went up in the air, and let the two teenaged suspects walk free.

     "They're lying, cheating, criminal supportive bastards. Why the hell would you ever consider working at a place like that Kassaundra. Have you not been listening to all of the shit I've told you? Ju-just be careful, and I mean it Kass."  Mason always gave me meaningful lectures on my idiotic decisions. While my brother sat there nodded his shaven head of his, and agree.

         Growing up with those two was always a hell for me, guys were too scared shitless to approach me. Girls wanted to become my best friend just so they could see them everyday. Because of that I stuck to myself really, like I do in this grown up world, since no one wants to date a 26 year old virgin like I've caught the fucking plague or something.

        My life is nothing but an amusement park. Yes I've got a promotion but there is a raw feeling inside of me that thinks there is a hidden motive behind it. Like I should just deny, pack my shit up and become a stripper like Mason suggested.

    He said it quickly. His eye contact was shaky on the rocks like he were trying to watch his surroundings climbing Mount Everest, the way he sat was slouched and Schworskey never slouches. Laid out and tired is what he looked like and after four years of working with this man, I've observed the way he acts, talks, laughs, stares, chews, the way he walks, what kind of shoes he likes to wear, suits, belts, ties.

       It freaked me out how well I knew people just by looking at them. Listening to their mispronounced, or perfected words, little stutters here and there, their firm, loose, strict eye contact. How well they took to people, how bad they lie, but ultimately their intentions.

                    I'm having a bad feeling about this promotion. And no it's not because I think Kamden Schwoskey wants to have sex with me.

Okay maybe a little bit. A tiny winsey Bitsy bit.

      The walk to my office was bland. I was expecting some big fat ass rocket filled with colorful confetti. Balloons, a congratulations banner being hung up with some cake. People clapping for me, you know that big celebration for taking the bullshit cases they passed down to me like I were a vermin in their perfect little imaginary city.

    I mean the least they can do is say thank you, but who am I kidding this firm is literally made up of egotistical, intelligent douche bags.

       Besides me, I'm a sweetheart. Haha I wish.

              Finally reaching my office I opened the door, and karate kicked my heels off. Back to work, oh how I can't wait to get home and see my family. I thought a loud, starting towards my desk, my heart flipped itself out of my chest and onto the ground.

"Congratulations Kassie!"  Janella stood with Jamison, a banner in her hands that she slapped together in five minutes flat. Jamison wore that ugly smirk of his with an ice pack laying in his palm.

    Trying to fix my face with excitement, Janella lowered her happy expression. Despair marked its territory on her lightly tanned face, "Was it not a promotional meeting Kass?" Dropping the banner and running over to me she knelt down to my height level peeking in my face like a curious child. "What happened? Talk to me." She was worried, and to ease her worrying I quickly responded.

    "No I got the promotion! New cases criminal ones that I've always wanted to take a stab at. I'm just exhausted Nell, ready to go home and call it a day. Are all of the files on my desk?"

      Disappointed, she stood high, and gestured to my desk. "Ye-yeah Kass they're all there. I'll get back to work." Jamison suspiciously looked at me, while Janella strutted out of my office.

     Handing me the ice pack, I nudged it away, "I'm fine really, thanks for everything though."

     "I walked across this whole building, went up the elevator, was insulted by my father, and I helped make that congrats banner. You're going to take this damn ice pack, and you're going to put it on those ugly knees of yours." I glared at the pretty boy in front of me, rolling his eyes he held his ground.

  Slamming the ice pack into my stomach, Jamison kissed my cheek. "Feel better baby." Walking out, the door to my office shut loudly. I sighed hobbling over to my desk, tossing the ice pack on the couch next to me, and collapsed onto the top of my keyboard.

        Hauling myself off into a dreamland, for the next 3 hours I was pleased.

        Of course I had a hell of an amount of  preparation, and work to do to win these cases, but like a teenaged kid a week before finals, I will cram the shit out of my brain with the knowledge I need to conquer.

           I didn't dream much, but my sleeping needs were tended to for the moment. There was distant talking as I began to wake myself up from my slumber. And as I opened my eyes I found familiar figures vacationed in my office. Staring at something on a wall with much interest, swiping away at my tiredness without smudging my eyeliner I concentrated on my sight. 

Listening as the tv continued to speak," And the hunt for Miami's suspected culprit for the legal mishaps these pass few weeks has ended, with Klein Masthers arrest, and the arrest of many others. That are listed as suspects in today's shoot out." Standing up I leaned over my desk to get a better look, taking it upon myself to put my glasses on everything appeared a bit more clearer. "All I remember is waiting for the interview to start, and then out of nowhere there was screaming, and then guns went off, and everyone was running. I was so scared I hid under the stage until the police officers came and found me."

     A loud vibration shook the wooden object in front of me, quickly snatching it to answer, my eyes continued to glue themselves to the screen. "Yes mom?" I listened as she finally spoke.

    "Honey I know that you get busy at work and tend to forget things, but if you're going to pick up the girls from school you should at least call. I've been sitting in the car circle for 45 minutes now." Confused on if this was a joke or not, I waited for her to laugh.

      But she didn't.

    "Mom what!?" I whisper shouted into the phone reaching for my purse, I grabbed it, threw it over my shoulder, and jogged out of the door, I could hear Janella, and Jamison call out my name but I ignored it.

   Racing down the hallway, with my heart fleeing away from me I almost took a fall. I could feel their judgmental  eyes cling to me like a spirit and its possessor as I continued my way out of the door. "You didn't pick the girls up from school Kassundra?" My mother questioned me, the fear shaking in her fragile voice as she finished.

     "Mom no, I've been at work. I told them if I  didn't get there to wait, and call you that you'd be there." My tears were standing at attention but I knew better than to let them fall, Schworskey grabbed me by the arm. As I passed by him, standing in the door way of his office, he was in the middle of watching the news, like everyone else in the damned place.

   A hint of concern drew him near to me, but I snatched myself away from him. If my mom didn't pick them up, I knew exactly where they were. And though I didn't want it to be true, all I cared about was getting to them, and all that I could do was hope that they were safe.

      "I'm on my way now mom, just go home, and I'll take care of it. They're fine mom, they're fine." I reluctantly lied. Was it a lie to keep myself sane? I was good at doing that too sometimes, maybe that is why people have a hard time reading me.

    Jumping in my car I put my key into the ignition and swerved out of the parking lot into the street. Traffic was backed up bumper to bumper, realizing my only way out of it was to turn back around, return to the office, park my car and walk to the precinct I did exactly that. Hopping out of the car, I booked it down the street. Passing by people packed in the dozens, helicopters, and sirens waving off in a high frequency stunning my eardrums like a cringe worthy dog whistle.

    It didn't take long, but I finally reached my destination.

   Dashing into the building I screamed like a maniac. "Mason! Mason! Mason!" Searching around hoping that I'd see him with Tailer and Rylainah, but my hopes were set up in flames as I watched the odd stares of people, and I listened to their opinionated murmuring.

      "Yo chill lady, Mason ain't here yet, you're just going to have to wait until he does." A security guard voiced smacking his big obnoxious lips with attitude. Tuning him out I could hardly breath. There was so much fighting within me, distracting my lungs to inhale the very air I needed to survive.

    My responsibility to my brother was to take care of his children, make sure they grew up with the best life I could offer to them. And here I am sitting in failure itself, worrying, trying to fool myself in believing that this was alright.

      They could be shot. Worse off kidnapped, raped, killed. I stood there, as the press poured outside, and multiple government vehicles parked on the premises.

    My insides curdled within each other, as Mason fought his way to the entrance, with a man locked tightly in front of him. Abriel calmed down the antagonizing reporters, with a brief statement of success.

       Time moved slower, hellishly. Blinking my eyes seemed to take forever. As the man arrested looked upon me, his eyes not taking caution before leaping in for the rush. Big green, and evil, bloodshot, tear stained and hurting, he seeped his displeasure within me.

      He stared at me with motive to intimidate, to make me relate, and have sympathy. And for what reason I suppose I wouldn't know, he was put together physically, but was ripped apart, casted into eternal damnation, internally.

      My tears resisted against me no further, as they cascaded, flooding my face with their warmth. Mason let the man go, as two other detectives, took hold of him, leading him to be processed.

And for that brief second of his presence being in mine, I felt him call for my soul, like the devil tempting a priest to do evil, forsake his God, and join his team of rebellious demons.

        "Kass? What the hell? Where are your shoes? Why are you crying?" Snapping out of it I began swatting at my face viciously, Mason's phone began to ring before I could say anything. He answered it on the first try, "Yeah, alright, I'll make sure she gets home safely. And happy birthday Mrs. Winters, have a good one."

       I watched him hopelessly, chuckling a bit, he nudged my shoulder, taking me into his, he walked me upstairs. "I will never blame you for being worried Kassundra, it is the worst possible feeling a human could ever feel, more worse than a gun shot. And that shit is intense."

    Leaning my head onto his body he continued, "Now let's get you some shoes."